LG confirms that its Smart TVs scan users' networks for other devices, but says it is "not true" that they record and snoop on users' conversations without the user having activated the microphone.
It caused a stir when a video exposé by Gamers Nexus found that LG Smart TVs scan users' home networks while also being capable of recording and transcribing conversations in the living room, even when the screen is off.
The video exposé also delved into ACR (Automatic Content Recognition), although it was unclear why the video singled out LG here, as all major TV makers have for years been documented to take screenshots of what you watch several times a second – even over HDMI.
LG responds, denies
LG has now responded to the allegations made by Gamers Nexus in a lengthy public letter first published by Tom's Hardware.
While LG now acknowledges that its Smart TVs can record and transcribe ambient conversations, even in standby mode, it denies claims that this can be done without the user manually activating the voice system. LG did not address other accusations by Gamers Nexus, such as transcripts being stored in plain text or voice recordings being saved on the TVs.
LG also acknowledged that it scans the user's network for nearby devices, adding that other TV makers do the same to enable content sharing and smart home functionality.
Additionally, LG confirmed that ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) is used, but emphasized that ACR data requires user consent before it can be used for personalized recommendations and ads. LG added that it "is committed to providing transparency and rejecting deceptive practices (dark patterns)".
Here is LG's full statement:
This is to provide LG's position regarding the claims recently raised by the Gamers Nexus YouTube channel.
The claims made in the recently published video are not true. LG TVs process voice data only when the voice button on the remote control is pressed and held, or when a wake word such as 'Hi LG' is recognized after the user has activated the Far-Field voice recognition feature. Other than these instances, the TVs do not collect or record ambient conversations. (If the wake word is not recognized, no voice data is transmitted to the server; the audio processing for wake word detection is performed locally on the device and is immediately deleted.)
Additionally, to provide smart TV functionalities, LG TVs feature the ability to scan for and connect to nearby devices on the same network. This is a standard function commonly provided by smart TVs and smart home devices.
The ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) feature is provided on an opt-in basis to deliver personalized content recommendation, services, and advertisements. If a user does not consent to the applicable optional agreement, ACR data is not used for advertising purposes.
Topic by topic breakdown:
At LG Electronics, we are committed to transparency and secure user experience. To clarify recent concerns and reiterate our commitment, we would like to emphasize the following points:
- Protecting Voice Privacy: We ensure that your LG TV does not collect, record or transmit ambient conversations in your home, unless voice functionality has been intentionally activated by the user.
- Far-Field Voice Recognition ("Hi LG"): This feature must be manually activated by the user before the TV begins listening for the specific wake word. Audio processing occurs only when voice functionality has been activated by the user and a wake work (such as “Hi LG”) is detected.
- Standby Mode Operation: When the TV is in standby mode and appears to be turned off, it only monitors for the wake word if you have previously enabled the Far-Field feature. If no wake word is detected, the audio used for wake word detection is processed locally on the TV, promptly deleted, and is not transmitted to LG servers.
- Transparent and Useful Connectivity: LG TVs can identify compatible devices on the same network to enable features such as device connectivity, content sharing or smart home functionality.
- Proactive and Continuous Security: Data security is a top priority for LG. We continuously monitor our platform and partner with independent security experts to identify vulnerabilities and deliver timely security updates.
- Full Control Over Data and Terms: LG Electronics is committed to providing transparency and rejecting deceptive practices (dark patterns), ensuring users can choose their preferred privacy and consent options directly through their TV settings.
- Consent-Based Activation: To provide a more tailored and convenient experience, LG TVs offer Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) to enhance viewing experiences, Voice Recognition for hands-free control, and Interest-Based Advertising to deliver relevant advertisements. Each feature requires separate explicit user opt-in consent and can be disabled at any time through the TV settings.
- Source: Tom's Hardware
